Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10:1-7) the priestly sons of Aaron, offered what was translated as unholy, strange, or unauthorized fire before God. Rather than following the Lord's instructions, they chose and acted of their own will. This is curiously similar to the story of Cain and Abel (Gen 4:1-12). In this present age, we worship not necessarily according to a prescribed set of rules that dictate the form and appearance of our worship; rather, we worship as Jesus instructively foretold, in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23-24). Perhaps that is precisely what we must recognize - that to worship according to any prescribed form or appearance, or even according to no prescription at all is of little consequence. If we are not worshiping in Spirit and in Truth, we are offering unholy, strange, and unauthorized fire before the Lord our God. Ananias and Sapphira serve as a tragic example (Acts 5:1-11). For when they worshiped according to appearance, yet worshiped deceitfully, God struck them dead. Carefully note that Peter states that they lied to the Holy Spirit. God help me to cast off everything that only appears to be worship ... that is not entirely and perfectly in and of the Spirit and Truth.
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